What does "arabesque" mean?
An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns, mainly used in Islamic art and architecture.
Arabesque
/ˌæɹ.əˈbɛsk/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns, mainly used in Islamic art and architecture.
- Grammar: arabesque is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: acciaccatura, appoggiatura, balletic pose, baroque.
- Useful contrasts: plain, plainness, simple.
- Usage evidence: How is it possible that a being with such sensitive jewels as the eyes, such enchanted musical instruments as the ears, and such fabulous arabesque of nerves as the brain can experience itself anything less than a god?
How to use "arabesque"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "arabesque" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "arabesque" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "arabesque" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "arabesque" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "arabesque" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acciaccatura" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "arabesque", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns, mainly used in Islamic art and architecture. also, attributive
"It was a sort of scene which Adam had beheld almost weekly for years; he knew by heart every arabesque flourish in the framed specimen of Bartle Massey’s handwriting which hung over the schoolmaster’s head, by way of keeping a lofty ideal before the minds of his pupils; […]."
- 2 an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design wordnet
- 3 An ornate composition, especially for the piano.
- 4 position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose wordnet
- 5 A dance position in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other raised backwards, and the arms outstretched.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Elaborate or ornate creations in general. attributive, broadly
"For a man who condemned worldly pleasures he ate with elegance. She loved to watch the arabesque of fingers and two forks."
Verb
- 1 To move in an arabesque motion. intransitive
- 2 To decorate with an arabesque pattern. transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"How is it possible that a being with such sensitive jewels as the eyes, such enchanted musical instruments as the ears, and such fabulous arabesque of nerves as the brain can experience itself anything less than a god?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "arabesque"?
Common synonyms include: acciaccatura, appoggiatura, balletic pose, baroque, baroqueness, basketry.
How do you use "arabesque" in a sentence?
How is it possible that a being with such sensitive jewels as the eyes, such enchanted musical instruments as the ears, and such fabulous arabesque of nerves as the brain can experience itself anything less than a god?
How do you pronounce "arabesque"?
Pronounced /ˌæɹ.əˈbɛsk/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French arabesque, from Italian arabesco, from arabo (“Arab”). By surface analysis, Arab + -esque.